Information tracking wearable article

ABSTRACT

An information tracking wearable article comprises a mount having associated information bearing elements. The wearable article may be configured as a bracelet where the information bearing elements are mounted to the mount. The information bearing elements are configured to display at least two elements of information. Preferably, the elements may be moved between first and second positions to selectively display the two elements of information. The wearable article may be utilized to track the completion of tasks, scores, dietary intake or other information.

RELATED APPLICATION DATA

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser.No. 60/718,134, filed Sep. 16, 2005.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to methods and apparatus for trackinginformation over periods of time.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Individuals often wish to track information over periods of time. Forexample, an individual may wish to track completion of tasks, scores,meals or other activities over a period of time.

Current apparatus to aid an individual in such tasks suffer from anumber of drawbacks. It is well know that an individual might simplyattempt to remember a task, or utilize a “memory aid.” For example, itis known to tie a string on one's finger in order to provide a mentalreminder to an individual to perform a certain task. Such an element,however, is a mere reminder and provides no actual information regardingthe task or its completion.

Many individuals now utilize electronic aids. These aids may becomputers, programmable personal data assistants (PDAs) or the like.Using these aids, an individual may program or input certaininformation, such as reminders to perform certain tasks. These aids,however, have the drawback that they are cumbersome and not alwaysreadily transportable. For example, a user may program task reminderinto a computer. However, if the individual is traveling, the individualwill not receive the reminder.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention is an information tracking wearable article.

In one embodiment, the wearable article comprises a mount having one ormore information bearing elements associated therewith. The informationbearing elements are configured to display at least two elements ofinformation. Preferably, the elements may be moved between first andsecond positions to selectively display the two elements of information.The wearable article may be utilized to track the completion of tasks,scores, dietary intake or other information.

In one embodiment, the wearable article may be configure as a bracelet,necklace or the like, so as to be directly worn by a user. In anotherembodiment, the wearable article may be configured to be connected to anarticle of clothing.

The information bearing elements may comprise charms that can be rotatedrelative to a mount of the wearable article. The information bearingelements may display information in the form of symbols, text, color orthe like associated with the element, and/or by the actual shape orconfiguration of the element.

Further objects, features, and advantages of the present invention overthe prior art will become apparent from the detailed description of thedrawings which follows, when considered with the attached figures.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an information tracking wearable articlein accordance with one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a portion of the wearable articleillustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of an end portion of the wearable articleillustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of a portion of the wearable articleillustrated in FIG. 1 with information bearing articles or elementthereof in a first position;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of a portion of the wearable articleillustrated in FIG. 1 with the information bearing articles in a secondposition;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an information tracking wearable articlein accordance with another embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an information tracking wearable articlein accordance with yet another embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 8 illustrates a portion of the wearable article of FIG. 6 in use asconnected to an article of clothing;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of yet another embodiment informationtracking wearable article;

FIG. 10 illustrates additional detail of the wearable articleillustrated in FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 illustrates one embodiment of an information bearing article foruse with an information tracking wearable article; and

FIGS. 12(a) and (b) illustrate yet another embodiment of an informationtracking wearable article in two positions.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth inorder to provide a more thorough description of the present invention.It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art, that thepresent invention may be practiced without these specific details. Inother instances, well-known features have not been described in detailso as not to obscure the invention.

In general, the invention comprises an information tracking wearablearticle. In one embodiment, the wearable article includes one or moreinformation bearing articles or elements. The wearable article may beworn by a user and is capable of providing information to the user, suchas regarding the status of tasks or the like.

One embodiment of an information tracking wearable article 20 will bedescribed with reference to FIGS. 1-5. In this embodiment, the wearablearticle 20 has the form of a bracelet. As illustrated, the wearablearticle 20 comprises a mount 22. The mount 22 is “C”-shaped and isconstructed from metal. The mount 22 may have a variety of shapes andmay be constructed from a variety of materials, however. In thisconfiguration, the mount 22 has first and second ends which are setapart from one another, thus defining a gap or opening there between. Inthis manner, a user may slip the mount 22 onto their body, such as overtheir wrist, so that the wearable article 20 may be worn.

As illustrated, one or more information bearing articles or elements 24are preferably associated with the mount 22. The information bearingarticles or elements 24 may have a variety of forms. Preferably, theinformation bearing elements 24 are configured to display at least twoelements of information. In one embodiment, the elements 24 areconfigured to be moved between a first and a second position, wherebythe two articles of information born by each element 24 may beselectively displayed.

In the embodiment illustrated, the information bearing elements 24comprise charms. The elements 24 comprise a body having an exteriorsurface and a passage there through. The elements 24 are mounted uponthe mount 22, wherein the mount 22 extends through the passage in eachelement 24. Of course, the information bearing elements 24 may bemounted in other fashions, such as by having a mounting loop or the likeextend therefrom for engagement with the mount.

As indicated, the information bearing elements 24 are preferably mountedfor movement between at least a first and a second position, so as toselectively display information. In one embodiment, the elements 24 aremovable relative to the mount 22. In particular, as illustrated, theinformation bearing elements 24 can be rotated relative to the mount 22.In other embodiments, the elements 24 could be fixed to the mount 22 buthave a portion thereof (such as an external sleeve of the element 24)which can move between at least first and second positions.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, in one embodiment, end caps 26 are locatedat the first and second ends of the mount 22. These end caps 26 retainthe information bearing elements 24 on the mount 22. In one embodiment,the end caps 26 may be removable, such as by threading engagement withthe mount 22. In this manner, one or both end caps 26 may be removed toallow information bearing elements 24 to be added to or removed from themount 22. When connected, however, the end caps 26 are preferably sizedand shaped to prevent the information bearing articles 22 fromdisconnecting from the mount 22.

FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate the information bearing elements 24 in firstand second positions. As indicated, the elements 24 are preferablyconfigured to display at least two forms of information in the at leasttwo positions. This information may vary and may be provided in a numberof ways. As illustrated in FIG. 4, in one position, the informationbearing elements 24 may display textual (numbers/letters) information.As illustrated in FIG. 5, in another position, the information bearingelements 24 may display information in symbol or symbolic form. Ofcourse, the information bearing elements 24 may display information inother forms.

The particular information which each information bearing element 24 isconfigured to display may vary. In one embodiment, the information mightrelate to tasks, scores or the like. In one embodiment, the informationbe dietary or nutritional information. For example, one element ofinformation might identify a particular task or element, and anotherelement of information might indicate whether the tasks has beencompleted or the item or element has been used. It will be understoodthat the information bearing elements 24 may be used individually orconjunctively. For example, information bearing elements 24 may provideinformation regarding a plurality of different tasks to tracked. One ormore of the elements 24 might be used conjunctively, however, to trackinformation such as total dietary caloric intake during a period of time(such as by summing caloric values associated with various of theelements 24).

FIGS. 6 and 8 illustrate another embodiment of an information trackingwearable article 120 in accordance with the invention. In thisembodiment, the information tracking wearable article 120 againcomprises a mount 122. In the configuration illustrated, the mount 122again has a pair of ends. One end is formed as a latch for selectivelyengaging the second end. The mount 122 comprises a mount for one or moreinformation bearing articles or elements 124, in similar fashion to thatdescribed above, as illustrated in FIG. 8.

As illustrated in FIG. 8, this wearable article 120 is particularlyadapted to being associated with an article of clothing. As illustrated,the mount 122 may be connected to a belt-loop of a pair of pants,permitting the wearable article 120 to be worn by the user.

FIG. 7 illustrates yet another embodiment of an information trackingwearable article 220. This wearable article 220 again comprises a mount222. As illustrated, the mount 220 comprises first and second sectionswhich are movably connected (at a hinge, in this case). The mount 220has first and second ends. The ends may be moved between positions inwhich they engage one another (in a tab and slot configuration) or areset apart from one another. In this manner, the mount 220 can be movedto a position in which information bearing elements may be added to orremoved from the mount 220, and moved to a position in which elementswhich are associated with the mount 222 are secured thereto.

Again, one or more information bearing elements may be associated withthe mount 222. Further, the mount 222 may be worn, such as around thewrist or ankle of a user, or by connection to an article of clothing.

FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate another embodiment information trackingwearable article 320 in accordance with the invention. As illustrated,the article 320 comprises a mount 322. In this configuration, the mount322 is a body. The body may, as illustrated, have one or more portionsfor selectively defining a generally enclosed interior space (such as byhaving two portions which selectively mate by one or more connectors,such as a zipper, snaps, hook and loop fastening material or the like).

Preferably, the mount 322 is configured to accept one or moreinformation bearing elements 324, as best illustrated in FIG. 10. Asillustrated, the mount 322 may include one or more receptors 326, suchas in the form of wires or other mounts. Preferably, the receptors 326can be moved between a first position in which elements 324 may be addedto and removed from the receptor 326, and a closed or second position inwhich elements 324 mounted thereto are secured.

As illustrated, the receptors 326 may be moved to a variety ofpositions, such as by selectively connecting the receptors 326.Preferably, the information bearing elements 324 are again configured todisplay at least two forms of information, such as by being movablebetween at least two positions.

This embodiment information tracking wearable article 320 may comprise awallet or similar article which may be worn by being placed in a pocketof an article of clothing or via other attachment. In this regard, thewearable article 320 may be configured for other functions, such ascarrying money, credit cards or the like.

FIG. 11 illustrates one embodiment of the information bearing element324. As illustrated, the element 324 comprises a body having an exteriorsurface which bears information. The body defines passage. In oneembodiment, an insert 328 is located in the passage to aid in locatingthe element 324 on a receptor or mount of a wearable article.

FIGS. 12(a) and (b) illustrate yet another embodiment informationtracking wearable article 420 in accordance with the invention. In thisconfiguration, a mount may comprise a thin, flexible member such as athin wire or cord. A plurality information bearing elements 424 aremounted on the mount and may be moved between first and second positionsfor displaying at least two elements of information.

In this configuration, the elements 424 are again mounted to the mount.The mount preferably includes on or more clasps or similar elements topermit the end portions thereof to be connected, so that it may be wornon a wrist, ankle or other portion of a user (or user's clothing).

In the embodiment illustrated, each element 424 is configured as asymbol and is configured to display two additional forms of information.In particular, each element 424 has a first side and a second side. Asillustrated in FIG. 12(a), a first side of each element 424 may be of afirst color or appearance. As illustrated in FIG. 12(b), a second sideof each element 424 may be of a second color or appearance. In thismanner, the side of the element 424 which is visible providesinformation to the wearer. As illustrated, such coloration or appearancemay be effected via the material from which the element 424 isconstructed (such as a base gold plating with a silver plating on onlyone side).

In use, the information tracking wearable article is preferably worn bya user, such as by connecting it to a portion of the body or an articleof clothing. As indicated, for example, the wearable article may beconfigured as a bracelet, necklace or the like, or may be connected to abelt-loop or placed in a pocket.

The one or more information bearing elements are preferably moved to afirst or starting position. This position may indicate a first conditionat the beginning of a particular period of time. The position of each orall information bearing elements may be changed in order to displayother information, such as to indicate a changed condition. For example,the information bearing articles may be moved to a ‘face-down’ positionwhere one side faces the user's body. When a task is completed, theelement may be turned over to display the opposing side thereof, thusproviding information that a particular task has been completed. Theelements may be moved back to their base or starting position at thebeginning of a new period of time.

The wearable article can be configured for a number of uses. Thewearable article may aid a user in tracking dietary intake. For example,the elements may be configured as particular food elements or food groupelements. The elements may be moved to indicate whether, during aparticular time period, such as a day, the user has consumed theparticular food item or item from the food group.

The elements may also be utilized to track caloric intake. For example,each element may define a particular foodstuff and associated calories.As each foodstuff is consumed, the element may be moved to indicate theassociate caloric intake (such as numeric calorie values). The calorievalues may be summed to indicate total intake during a period of time,such as a day.

The invention has numerous advantages. First, the wearable article canbe worn, meaning that it can be with the user at all times when it isneeded. Because it can be worn, the user need not physically carry it,such as with their hands, in a manner which interferes with otheractivities.

Second, the wearable article is simple in configuration and use. Thewearable article does not require electronics, sophisticated programmingor the like. Further, the wearable article may be modified, such as byassociating different elements or elements with different information.In this manner, a user might customize the wearable article.

The wearable article may have the appearance of another element, such asa necklace or bracelet, so that is also has aesthetic appeal. Thewearable article can also be used and re-used, such as by merelyresetting the positions of the information bearing elements.

It will be appreciated that the information tracking wearable elementmay have other configurations than specifically illustrated. Thewearable article may include as few as one information bearing elementor more than one such element. The elements may be configured to bear orprovide as few as one, and more than two elements of information. Forexample, an element might have four sides and be capable of displayingat least four elements of information.

The elements might also be configured to display the information in avariety of manners. As indicated, the elements may be movable relativeto a mount. Alternatively, or in addition, a portion of an element maybe movable (such as a rotating sleeve).

It will be understood that the above described arrangements of apparatusand the method there from are merely illustrative of applications of theprinciples of this invention and many other embodiments andmodifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope ofthe invention as defined in the claims.

1. An information tracking wearable article comprising: a mountconfigured to be attached to a user or a user's article of clothing; aplurality of information bearing articles movably mounted to said mount,said information bearing article configured to display at least oneelement of information when said information bearing article is in afirst position relative to said mount and a second element ofinformation when said information bearing article is in a secondposition relative to said mount.
 2. The information tracking wearablearticle in accordance with claim 1 wherein said information bearingarticle bears text or symbol information.
 3. The information trackingwearable article in accordance with claim 1 wherein said mount isconfigured as a bracelet.